Buying a car is a serious investment, no matter your budget, and it deserves proper research and consideration. If you're in the market for a second hand car, the good news is there are plenty of reliable and affordable options available. So, what’s out there for your budget?
Before you dive in, take a moment to read our top tips for buying a used car. It’s a quick, practical guide to help you make a smarter, more confident choice.
How much does a used car cost? From £1,000 to £50,000+ explained
A car is, for most people, the biggest single purchase they make after their home. It needs thought and care before taking the plunge and signing up for your next set of wheels.
Getting a new-to-you, used car should be an exciting and enjoyable time so you don’t want to ruin all the fun by realising you have paid more than you wanted for your vehicle.
Setting a budget – and sticking to it – is the sensible way to go about buying a car and fixing yourself a spending limit is the right thing to do.
More cars are bought in the UK in the £5,000-£20,000 bracket than any other range, which shows that motorists are prepared to pay good money for their next car but are still looking for great value too. Plenty of ‘oomph’ for their pound notes.
A few cars are bought at the ‘lower’ end such as £1,000 or less while other buyers will be prepared to splash out £30,000 to £50,000 on a car, but these transactions are less common in the UK.
Size of price tag does not correspond with size of car, and there are large, small and medium sized models available across all price brackets. The same goes for fuel types – petrol, diesel and electric are not necessarily constrained by cost.
Even if you’re looking at the lower end of the price spectrum, five grand is still a serious amount of money to be playing with, so make sure the car you’re considering is in good condition and you are aware of any potential problems that might show up in the future.
As the car’s cost rises, you can, of course, expect more for your money, including full service history, higher specification model and excellent condition inside and out.
So, what sort of car is available for every budget? Here MotorCheck sets out the kind of vehicle available for each fiscal level. Millions of drivers seek out a used car every year and everyone has a slightly different financial agenda.
But whatever you have going spare in the coffers, there’s something out there for you.
Used cars under £5,000: Great value second hand options
Cars in this bracket are likely to be older but can still offer reliable, no-frills motoring. They’re ideal as budget-friendly run-arounds for everyday use. Just be sure to check their condition carefully before buying.
1. Ford Focus
2. Toyota Auris
3. VW Touran
4. SEAT Leon
5. Vauxhall Astra
Second hand cars from £5,000 to £10,000: Reliable picks
With a budget of £5,000 to £10,000, you're in a strong position to find a well-maintained second hand car that offers solid value. Expect a wide choice of practical and reliable models ready for their next owner.
1. Peugeot 2008
2. Renault Clio
3. Hyundai Ioniq
4. Dacia Duster
5. Skoda Octavia
Used cars between £10,000 & £20,000: What's available
This is where your money starts to stretch further. A budget of £10,000 to £20,000 opens up a wide range of stylish, well-equipped vehicles that still have plenty of life and value left in them.
1. Ford Puma ST
2. MG 3
3. Volvo S90
4. Vauxhall Mokka
5. MINI Cooper S
Second hand cars in the £20,000–£30,000 range: Top choices
At this price point, your options expand to include nearly-new models with modern features and excellent specs. You’ll find two-year-old sports cars, family SUVs, and executive saloons well within reach.
1. Hyundai Kona Electric
2. Audi A5
3. Cupra Formentor
4. BMW 4 Series
5. Range Rover Evoque
Premium used cars from £30,000 to £50,000: High-end deals
Looking for a high-end sports model, luxury SUV, or cutting-edge electric car without paying brand-new prices? This is the bracket for you. It offers access to premium second hand vehicles minus the steep initial depreciation.
1. Tesla Model S
2. Mercedes GLC
3. Range Rover Sport
4. Porsche Boxster
5. Jaguar F-Type
Why a history check matters before buying a second hand car
Before committing to any used car, it’s essential to know exactly what you're buying. At MotorCheck, we’ve seen first-hand how easy it is for hidden issues to go unnoticed - until it’s too late.
That’s why we offer a comprehensive £9.99 Single Check, giving you access to vital information such as accurate mileage, outstanding car finance, theft status, insurance write-offs, engine replacements, and even whether the vehicle was used as a taxi.
With millions of second-hand cars on the UK market, a car history check is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment.
Peace of mind costs less than a tank of fuel. Run your MotorCheck history report today and buy your next car with confidence.
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